Compressor



May 13, 1947.

H. W. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INKENTOR.

May 13, 1947. H. w. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 7Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

May 13, 1947. H. w. HAIQRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 19457Sheets-Sheet 3 May 13, 1947.

H. w. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V ENTOR.

May 13, 1947. H. w. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 7Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

May 13, 1947. H. w. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 7Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V EN TOR.

HITOF/VEVS'.

May 13, 1947. H. w. HARRER COMPRESSOR Filed April 30, 1945 '7Sheets-Sheet 7 III iliiiib liilii;

IN VEN TOR.

Patented May 13, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- COWRESSOR Herbert W.Harrer, New Washington, Ohio Application April 30, 1945, Serial No.590,980

7 Claims.

The device forming the subject matter of this application is acompressor for fluids, preferably a1r.

One object of the invention is to provide a compressor having oppositelydisposed power cylinders, the pistons whereof are connected in a novelway to the pistons of first stage compression cylinders and to thepistons of second stage compression cylinders.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means whereby theexhaust from the internal combustion or power cylinders may be madeefiective to heat air which is delivered into the said cylinders.

A further object of the invention is to supply novel means whereby airwhich is compressed on the back stroke of the first stage cylinders willbe made effective to scavenge the products of combustion from the powercylinders.

Another object of the invention is to supply a novel impact wheel whichis actuated by the escaping exhaust from the power cylinders, to carrycertain parts of the machine over dead centers.

Other and further objects of the invention will be made manifest as thedescription proceeds.

A mechanic who abides by what is claimed may make changes in the precisestructure shown, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows in top plan, a compressor constructed in accordance withthe invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation;

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section show ing approximatelyone-half of the compressor;

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section showing the cooperating halfof the compressor;

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken through the casing approximatelyon the line 55 of Figure 3, the cylinders directly thereunder beingshown in section;

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse section taken approximately on theline 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse section taken approximately on theline 'I'! of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view showing certain of thecylinders'and attendant parts;

Figure 9 is a section on the line 9-9 of Figure 5, parts being omitted.

In carrying out the invention, there is provided a casing or support C,including an intermediate member embodying a shell I, having end Walls2. The casing C comprises tapered end members 3 assembled with oppositeends of the shell I. There is a transverse partition 3 in each endmember 3, and each end wall 2 likewise forms a partition. The casing Chas detachable access plates 5, located as preferred.

Power cylinders 6 are secured to the end walls 2 and project into theintermediate member l-2 of the casing, the cylinders being open at theirinner ends. The cylinders 6 are supplied with transverse exhaust ports 1and with transverse scavenging ports 8. The scavenging ports 8 arelocated nearer to the open ends of the cylinders 8 than are the exhaustports 1.

Power pistons 9 are mounted for reciprocation in the power cylinders 6and are carried by rods it, secured to a first cross head I00.

First stage compression cylinders H are provided and are disposed inparallel relation, these cylinders extending between the partitions 2and 4. Pistons l2 are mounted for reciprocation in the cylinders II andare carried by rods [4, which are secured to the cross head I65. Air isadmitted to the spaces between the partitions 2 and 4 in any suitableway, for instance, through ports P in the end members 3. Air is admittedto the cylinders I I, ahead of the pistons l2, through outwardly closingcheck valves l5 (Figs. 3 and 8) carried by the cylinders, and locatedadjacent to the partitions t. For a purpose to be described hereinafter,air is admitted behind the pistons l2 through similar check valves 46,located in the cylinders, and shown in Fig. 8.

Second stage compression cylinders I! are secured to the partitions 4,within the casing parts 3, in axial alignment with the power cylinders6. The heads of the first stage cylinders H, the partitions and theheads of the second stage cylinders I? have ducts l8, by which air canpass from the first stage cylinders to the second stage cylinders, checkValves I9 being located in the ducts and closing toward the first stagecylinders. The second stage cylinders I! are provided with outwardlyopening check valve mechanisms 29 (Fig. 3) located near the partitions4. From the check valve mechanisms 20, conduits 2| lead to a storagetank or the like (not shown).

In their outer ends, the cylinders I! are vented as shown at 22, tofacilitate reciprocation of pistons 23 in the cylinders, the pistonsbeing carried by rods 24, secured to the intermediate portions of secondcross heads 25. Rods 26 external to the cylinders l! and 6, are securedterminally to the cross heads 25 and IE0, and reciprocate in thepartitions 2 and 4, and in flanges 21 on the cylinders II, II and 6.

Oil, water or some other liquid is maintained at a predetermined levelin the intermediate member of the casing C. The lowermost of the rods 26(Figure 3) carries agitators 28, which operate on the liquid in thecasing flinging it about, as said rods 26 reciprocate, a cooling andlubrication of the working parts thus being effected. If water is usedfor cooling, lubrication of the cylinders will have to be done by asystem of mechanical lubricators not shown.

Housings 29 are fixed in the intermediate memher |-2 of the casing 0.Exhaust headers 30 (Figures 3 and 9) are in communication with theexhaust ports 1 of the power cylinders 6, and communicate with thehousings 29. The housing 29 communicate, as shown at 3| in Figures 1 and3, with receivers 32 mounted on the intermediate portion of the casingC, and having ex-" haust outlets 33. Within receiver 32 is located anair tank 34.

Shafts 35 (Figures 3 and 4) are journaled in the intermediate portionofthe casing C and carry, within the housings 29, impact wheels 36,responsive to the exhaust passing through the housings. The impactwheels 36 comprise a small number of grouped blades 31. The blades maybe altered in number but, in any event, they extend through a, limitedare only, leaving a solid portion which is adapted to cover the exhaustports, during the period of rotation.

Eccentrics 38' and 39 are secured to the shafts 35, externally of thehousings 29. The eccentrics 38 and 39 carry wrist pins 40 whereunto arepivoted pitmans 4|, pivotally mounted on pins 42 mounted in the crosshead I00.

The eccentrics 39 cooperate with the plungers 43 of fuel pumps 44,mounted on the walls 2 of the casing C. The sources of fuel supply forthe pumps 44 are marked by the numeral 45; Conduits 46 lead from thepumps 44 to the power cylinders 6. By adjusting the length of the fuelpump stroke, the amount of fuel delivered is determined and metered.

The eccentrics 38 cooperate with the plungers 41 of air starting valves43, mounted on the partitions 2. The tanks 34 are adapted to contain airunder pressure, which is heated by'the exhaust which passes through thereceivers 32. Conduits 49 lead from the tanks 34 to the air startingvalves 48, and in the conduits 49 are interposed cut-off valves 59,under the control of an operator. Conduits lead from the air startingvalves 48 to the power cylinders 6. The starting air works on the powerpiston that is expanding and at full stroke is shut off and thenautomatically changed to the other power pistons. This is timed andactuated by the eccentrics 38 and air starting valves 48. When motion ofthe unit has been attained by its own power the valve 59 is secured.During this starting and warming up period, the compression cylinders Hand I! are vented to cause easier motion.

Air cylinders 52, shown in Figures 9 and 3, are

secured to the power cylinders Band are disposed transversely thereof,the scavenging ports 8 of the cylinders 6 being in communication withthe air cylinders 52 shown in Figures 8 and 9. The cylinders 52 extendthrough theshell of the casing C, and include heads 53, wherein breatherports 54 are formed, the breather ports being in communication with theatmosphere external to the casin C, Pistons 55 are slidably mounted inthe air cylinders 52 and are advanced by compression spring 56,interposed between pistons 55 and heads 53.

Transverse manifolds 51 (Figure 8) are mounted in the first stagecompression cylinders H, in

close relation to the end walls 2 of the shell I, the" manifolds beingopen at their ends. The manifolds 51 have a branch 59 in communicationwith the cylinders 52. A check valve 61 is interposed in each branch 59,the check valve opening toward the cylinders 52. g

The pitmans 4| constitute means for imparting rotation to theeccentrics-38fand 39. The air starting valves 4'8 are operated by theeccentrics 38 on the shafts 35, since the plungers 41 of air startingvalves 48 engage the eccentrics. The air in the tanks 34 is heated andexpanded, since the exhaust produced when the power pistons are actuatedby internal combustion, enters the receivers 32 by way of theconnections 3| and leaves by way of the outlets 33. This air which ispreheated, is more powerful than air of room temperature, and isdischarged into the main supply tank for use. .The air comes in the tankonly to be expanded by the exhaust heat, giving it more-power justbefore using.

The plungers 43 of the metering fuel pumps 44 cooperate with theeccentrics 39 on the shafts 35. The pumps 44 are put into operation, thepumps receiving fuel from the conduits 45, and passing the fuel by wayof the conduits 46 to the power cylinders 6, through an injection valveinto the highly compressed air in the cylinders, causing immediate"combustion and expansion on the Diesel principle which is automatic dueto high cylinder pressure and the heat of the compressed air. However,an ignition system can be used.

The pistons |2 of Figs. 3 and 9, moving to the right, draw in airthrough the check valves l5, the air being supplied through the ports Por their equivalent. When the pistons |2 of Fig. 3 move to the left,under the influence of the pistons 9 of Figs. 3 and 4, air is forcedpast the check valves l9 into the cylinders I1. When the piston 23 ofFig. 3 moves to the right, along with the cross head I90, air is forcedoutwardly past the check valve 20 and through the outlet 2| to the placeof storage for use.

Operation Referring to Figure 3, the reciprocating cross head Hi0-imparts rotation to the eccentrics 38' and 39 by way of the pitmans 4|,and to the shafts 35'. The shafts 35 rotate impact wheels 36.

As the piston 9 moves to the right in Figure 3, to make a power stroke,the piston uncovers the exhaust ports 1-. The exhaust passes through theheaders 30 and enters-the housings 29. From the housings 29, the exhaustproducts pass through the connections 3| into the receivers 33, to heatthe air tanks 34, the exhaust finding an exit through the outlets 33.With this movement of the piston 9 shown in Figure 3, the piston 9 atthe opposite side of the cross heads I00, moves in its cylinder to coverthe exhaust ports 1 of its cylinder, and move to compress a charge inits cylinder.

Referring to Figure 5, it will be seeri that the impact wheels 36 do nothave a full set of blades 31, circumferentially considered. The centersof mass of the impact wheels 36 do not coincide with the axes ofrotation of the shafts 35. Consequently, the impact wheels 36 act asaneccentric weight which aids in carrying the crank pins 40 over deadcenters. These impact wheels act to direct the exhaust gases into thereceivers 32 heating the air in the tanks 34 for distribution into thepower cylinders.

Passing to Figure 8, when the pistons |2 make a compression stroke, airis drawn into the cylinders through the check valves I6. When thepistons l2 make a return stroke, air in the cylinders H is forcedthrough the manifolds 5 1 and the branch 59, past the check valve 6|,into the cylinders 52. At that time, the pistons 9 have closed thescavenging ports 8, and the pistons 55 are forced to retire, under airpressure, compressing the springs 56. As' the piston 9 moves to theright in Figure 3, it uncovers the ports 8 in the cylinder 6, and thespring 56 advances the piston 55, air in the cylinder 52 is forcedthrough the ports 8 into the cylinder 6, to clear it of burned gases,and the product leaves by way of the exhaust ports 1, leaving thecylinder 6 full of clean cool air.

The operation has been dealt with hereinbefore step by step, but by wayof summary, the power pistons 9 of Figures 3 and 4 actuate thestagecompression pistons I2 and 23, and compressed air leaves thecylinders I! by way of the outlet conduits 2|. The cylinders 6 arescavenged by the mechanism shown in Figures 8 and 9. The eccentrics 38and 39 cooperate, respectively, with the valves and pumps 48 and 44, andthe valves and pumps, respectively, supply the cylinders 6 with air andwith combustive fuel.

The manifolds 51, the branch 59, and the cylinders 52 constitute aconducting means leading from the spaces behind the compression pistonsl2 to the scavenging ports 8.

What is claimed is:

1. In a compressor, an internal combustion power cylinder having ascavenging port, a power piston slidable in the power cylinder, acompression cylinder, a compression piston slidable in the compressioncylinder, the compression cylinder having a check valve inlet and acheck valve outlet located ahead of the compression piston, and having acheck valve inlet disposed behind the compression piston, means forconnectin the pistons for movement together, and a third cylindercommunicating with the scavenging port, a conduit connection between thethird cylinder and the space behind the compression piston, a checkvalve interposed in the conduit, a piston slidable in the third cylinderand retiring under pressure derived from the conduit connection, andyieldable means for advancing the last specified piston after it hasretired, the power piston constituting a closure for the scavenging portduring the retirement of the last specified piston.

2. In a compressor, a power cylinder having an exhaust port, a powerpiston slidable in the power cylinder, a compression cylinder, acompression piston slidable in the compression cylinder, means forconnecting the pistons for movement together, said means including across head, a housing having an exhaust outlet, means for conductingexhaust from the exhaust port to the housing, an exhaust-actuated impactwheel supported for rotation in the housing, a valve, a conduit leadingfrom the valve to the power cylinder, means for actuating the valve,said means comprising a rotary member connected to the impact wheel, andan operative connection between the cross head and the rotary member andincluding a wrist pin on the rotary member, the impact wheel comprisinga segmental group of rotating blades, arranged throughout only a portionof the radius of the wheel, overbalancing the wheel, whereby the wheelis rotated, passing the wrist pin over dead centers.

3. A compressor constructed as set forth in claim 2, and wherein thevalve is an air starting valve, and means for supplying air thereto forstarting or setting the unit in motion by the pres-.

sure of the air from the starting tank through connections to said tank.

4. A compressor constructed as set forth in claim 2, and wherein thevalve is a metering fuel pump, and means for supplying fuel thereto.

5. In a compressor, a power cylinder having an exhaust port, a powerpiston slidable in the power cylinder, a compression cylinder, acompression air starting valve to the power cylinder, means.

for supplying air to the air starting valve, a fuel pump, a conduitleading from the fuel pump to the power cylinder, means for supplyingfuel to the fuel pump, an impact wheel in the housing and actuated byexhaust moving through the housing, eccentrics connected to the impactwheel to rotate therewith and constituting actuators for the pump, andvalve and an operative connection between the cross head and theeccentrics, said connection including a wrist pin on one of theeccentrics, the impact wheel comprising a segmental group of bladesconstituting means for passing the wrist pin over dead centers.

6. In a compressor, a support, an internal combustion power cylindercarried by the support and having an exhaust port, a power pistonslidable in the power cylinder, a compression cylinder carried by thesupport, a compression piston slidable in the compression cylinder, 3,connection between the pistons, a receiver having an outlet, means forconducting exhaust from the exhaust port to the receiver, an air tank inthe receiver, means for conducting heated air from the tank to the powercylinder operating the piston therein, and means for supplying the powercylinder with fuel.

7. A compressor comprising oppositely disposed power cylinders, a firstcross head located between the power cylinders, power pistons slidablein the power cylinders and connected to the first cross head, secondstage compression cylinders located in a common longitudinal axis withthe power cylinders and having outlets, second stage pistons slidable inthe second stage cylinders, second cross heads located at the outer endsof the second stage cylinders and connected to the second stage pistons,connections between the first and second cross heads, a pair of firststage compression cylinders located between each power cylinder and thecorresponding second stage cylinder and located at opposite sides ofsaid axis, first stage pistons slidable in the first stage cylinders andconnected to the first cross head, means for admitting fluid to thefirst stage cylinders, and check valve connections between each of thefirst stage cylinders and the corresponding second stage cylinder.

HERBERT W. HARRER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,077,802 Martin Apr. 20, 19372,382,598 Andresen Aug. 14, 1945 2,038,442 Pescara Apr. 21, 19362,230,760 Pescara Feb. 4, 1941 2,241,957 Pescara May 13, 1941 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 698,563 France Nov. 24, 1931 Addition toPatent 39,764 770,023 France June 18, 1934 772,901 France Aug. 20, 1934

